Duke started its 2026 season with a resounding 17-3 victory over Tulane as Nate Sheppard ran for 227 yards and two touchdowns, and the Blue Devils were able to shut down the Green Wave’s offense.
Not everything was humming for Manny Diaz’s squad, but it was a solid start for the Blue Devils as they try to improve on back-to-back nine-win seasons.
Here are our position grades for the Blue Devils:
Quarterbacks: C-
It was a game in which Walker Eget didn’t need to win it, but just not lose it. He was successful at that and connected on some big third-down throws early on. But for the Blue Devils to be real contenders, he has to either improve or Manny Diaz might have a quarterback controversy on his hands, if he doesn’t already.
Running backs: A
The only thing keeping this from being
an A+ after Nate Sheppard’s performance was his one fumble. Other than that, the sophomore was excellent, setting career highs in carries (35) and rushing yards (227) while running for both Duke touchdowns.
If CJ Campbell proves to be a reliable backup (10 carries, 25 yards), it would be smart to continue to grind it out on the ground until the quarterback situation gets better.
Wide receivers/tight ends: B-
Penn transfer Jared Richardson was non-existent, catching zero passes on two targets. He will have to step up if the passing offense wants to do much.
Jonah Burton had a big 20-yard catch, while Jeremiah Hasley showed why he is so highly regarded. Still, the receivers did their job despite the lack of passing yards.
Offensive line: A-
Paved the way for 250 rushing yards and kept Tulane from recording any sacks—pretty solid start.
Defensive line: A
Bryce Davis lived in the Tulane backfield, recording three tackles for a loss and two sacks. Stuffing the run was huge, as the Green Wave managed just 55 rushing yards.
Linebackers: A
Nick Morris Jr. returned with a bang, recording six tackles and 0.5 tackles for a loss. Luke Mergott played well, forcing a fumble, while Bradley Gompers had a sack and a tackle for a loss.
Secondary: B+
There were a couple of missed assignments, but overall, Duke was able to hold Tulane to 204 passing yards. That’s a credit to the secondary.
Special teams: B+
Cosme Salas had his first field goal attempt blocked, but was able to drill a 32-yarder as the first half expired. Kade Reynoldson was deadly with his four punts, including a 62-yarder that switched the field.
Coaching: A-
When he saw that Eget wasn’t exactly lighting it up, Diaz was able to rely on the legs of Sheppard, knowing that the Tulane offense posed not much of a threat to Duke’s defense.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke 17, Tulane 3: Position grades for the Blue Devils
